WEEKEND 1
Oct 30–Nov 1
No pick this weekendWeekend of Oct 30–Nov 1: Nothing worth the drive
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Inland Empire that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Inland Empire has the local list.
Next 6 weekends · Oct 30–Nov 1 to Dec 4–6
Weekend getaways from Inland Empire with kids
The best trip within about five hours of Inland Empire for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on.
6 weekends
3 cities
Closest: 1h 15mLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Departures
From Inland EmpireHow far is fun?
Everything within 5 hours
Each ring is one hour of driving from Inland Empire. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Cities we cover (weekly updates)Other family getaways (no event listings)
Los Angeles1h 15m
San Diego2h
Ventura County2h 30m
Bakersfield3h 15m
Las Vegas4h 15m
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
Other family getaways within 5 hours
We don't post event listings for these places, so check the official page for hours and what's on. The numbers match the map.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs, CA · about 1 hr 15 min from Inland Empire
The aerial tramway has the world's largest rotating tram car, climbing more than two and a half miles up Chino Canyon.
- Big Bear Lake Big Bear Lake, CA · about 1 hr 15 min from Inland Empire
Big Bear Alpine Zoo cares for rescued animals, from bald eagles to snow leopards.
- Julian Julian, CA · about 2 hr 15 min from Inland Empire
A mountain town from the 1870s gold rush, known for its apple pie.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Borrego Springs, CA · about 2 hr 30 min from Inland Empire
The base for Anza-Borrego, California's largest state park, with spring wildflowers and bighorn sheep.
- Hoover Dam Boulder City, NV · about 4 hr 45 min from Inland Empire
Kids 3 and under get into the Hoover Dam visitor center free, and the power plant tour is stroller accessible.
WEEKEND 2
Nov 6–8
4h 15m
DestinationWeekend of Nov 6–8: Las Vegas
about 4 hr 15 min from Inland Empire
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a drive-through, so the kids can stay in pajamas in the back seat. It's priced per car.
Past three hours, make it an overnight: drive Friday, go Saturday.
Glittering Lights
Opens 11/06; runs through 01/03. A 3-mile drive-through with 6 million lights. Take I-15 exit 54 (Speedway Blvd.); GPS can send you to a closed gate. Santa Tram rides are $25 a person on select nights.
Fri Nov 6 · From 5pmLas Vegas Motor Speedway
$39 cash or $44 by card per vehicleWEEKEND 3
Nov 13–15
2h
DestinationWeekend of Nov 13–15: San Diego
about 2 hr from Inland Empire
Santa is at his cottage on the SkyTower lawn for SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, and the visit is included with park admission.
Santa at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Opens 11/13; runs through 01/03. SeaWorld’s holiday season also has real reindeer, Rudolph and nightly snowfall.
Fri Nov 13 · During Christmas Celebration hoursSeaWorld San Diego, Santa’s Cottage on SkyTower LawnIncluded with park admission
WEEKEND 4
Nov 20–22
2h
Destination · 2 picksWeekend of Nov 20–22: San Diego
about 2 hr from Inland Empire
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden runs 5 to 9pm. Kids are $18, kids 2 and under are free, and parking is cheaper if you book it ahead.
LEGO Santa at Christmas Bricktacular
Opens 11/21; runs through 01/03. LEGO Santa comes with his sleigh and reindeer. Fireworks on Dec 5, Dec 12 and every night Dec 19–31. About 35 min drive from San Diego.
Sat Nov 21 · During park hoursLEGOLAND CaliforniaIncluded with park ticketsLightscape
Opens 11/20; runs through 01/03. About 30 min drive from San Diego.
Fri Nov 20 · 5–9pmSan Diego Botanic GardenAdults from $28, kids $18, 2 and under free; parking $15 in advanceWEEKEND 5
Nov 27–29
No pick this weekendWeekend of Nov 27–29: Nothing worth the drive
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Inland Empire that's worth the trip this weekend. This week in Inland Empire has the local list.
WEEKEND 6
Dec 4–6
1h 15m
DestinationWeekend of Dec 4–6: Los Angeles
about 1 hr 15 min from Inland Empire
L.A. Zoo Lights is open all three nights, and kids under 2 are free.
L.A. Zoo Lights
Opens 11/20; runs through 01/10. Santa photos cost extra on select nights, and the ice rink is ticketed separately. Dec 8 is a sensory-inclusive night. Parking is free. Closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 14–16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4–7.
Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 · Box office 5:45–8:45pmLos Angeles ZooAdults $29–$35, kids 2–12 $19–$25; under 2 freeLittle-traveler checklist
Pack it before you go
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.More trips
Every region, every weekend
Good questions
Weekend trips from Inland Empire: the FAQ
Where can we go for a weekend from Inland Empire with little kids?
Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Inland Empire are Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.
Which cities are within an easy drive of Inland Empire?
Los Angeles (about 1 hr 15 min), San Diego (about 2 hr), Ventura County (about 2 hr 30 min), Bakersfield (about 3 hr 15 min), Las Vegas (about 4 hr 15 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
What other family getaways are within 5 hours of Inland Empire?
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (about 1 hr 15 min), Big Bear Lake (about 1 hr 15 min), Julian (about 2 hr 15 min), Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (about 2 hr 30 min), Hoover Dam (about 4 hr 45 min). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.
Why is the same city picked more than once?
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.
Are the times and prices current?
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.